The Erie County Commission on the Status of Women (“ECCSW”) has announced an economic justice forum to be held this Friday, December 2, 2016 from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM to explore issues of gender pay inequity along with workforce development, workplace policies, and best workplace practices. Round table discussion speakers on the Gender Pay Gap include Grace Protos of the U.S. Department of Labor and Margaret Salle of the University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education. Speakers on the Workforce Development roundtable include representatives from the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance, the Buffalo Public Schools, and Ariane Hegewisch of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.

“This forum will not only address issues of gender pay inequity but will also bring together community experts who can speak on the best ways and practices to ensure gender pay equity as well as creating economically just opportunities and working environments for all women in Erie County,” said Karen King, Executive Director of the ECCSW. “Numerous business, educational, and not-for-profit groups are expected to attend and share their insights and experiences as well, so there will be much to learn and act on going forward.”

King will be delivering welcoming remarks at the event, to be followed by Opening Remarks from Deputy Erie County Executive Maria Whyte. NYS Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Hochul is also expected to address attendees at the forum.

Many women still experience pay inequity in the workplace. It has been shown that, on average, women make seventy-eight cents for every dollar made by a man, a disparity that increases for women minorities. In 2014 Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz signed an Executive Order mandating compliance with the federal Equal Pay Act for all vendors seeking business with Erie County and in 2015 he led the way in drafting a similar policy that was passed by the Erie County Industrial Development Agency. The ECIDA’s policy addresses wage discrimination in companies seeking tax incentives by ensuring that they pay their male and female employees equal pay for equal work.

ECCSW Women’s Economic Justice Forum:

WHEN: Friday, December 2, 2016 from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (registration starts at 9)

WHERE: Westminster Church (Case Library), 724 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo NY